It was supposed to be a huge celebration when the first examples of Dodge’s exciting new Charger Daytona rolled onto the starting-line grid at Talladega, Alabama, in September 1969. A bitter driver’s strike changed that, allowing a virtually unknown driver named Richard Brickhouse to get the first-ever victory for this model at its inaugural appearance, on what was then a brand-new racetrack. Still, the company’s money and effort at the rapid-development release of this extra-special 1969 design had not been in vain, as Bobby Isaac would utilize its aero treatment to help secure Dodge a coveted 1970 Grand National-series title.

The Charger Daytona was, and remains, one of the most-interesting chapters in both American motorsports and automobile production. While there were limited-edition race-oriented vehicles from other manufacturers prior to its arrival, the Daytona’s highly visible changes took things to a never-before-seen level for production cars. To allow it to race, the factory had been mandated by the rules committee ACCUS—not NASCAR personally—to release 500 street-legal examples for body homologation. The car offered here would be one of that small group, which reportedly were built at a $1,500-per-unit loss to Dodge.

Yet, this beautiful 1969 Daytona is far more exclusive than simply being one of hundreds. In terms of its powertrain, it is one of 70 that got the expensive and ultimate Chrysler engine option: the 426/425 HP Hemi with its dual AFB carburetors, large dimensions and NASCAR legacy. In terms of its appearance, this wing was one of merely two Hemi models painted in F6 Spring Green. Those factors alone would play into the unique rarity of this car. Add that it is showing just 21,126 miles with the original driveline still intact, and suddenly it is easy to understand why this car in particular deserves the title “exclusive.”

Sometimes lost in the reality of the Daytona’s streamlined nose treatment and high rear wing is that these were upscale R/T models to start with. The F6 Spring Green (also referred to as Bright Green Metallic) paint was a new release starting in mid-1968 and is a classy touch that carries over to the 15-inch steel wheels with dog-dish hubcaps, and contrasts boldly with the black “DAYTONA” rear striping. Drip-rail and body-belt moldings, chrome outside mirrors and “HEMI” door callouts complete the exterior presence. The paint is original in many interior locations within this car, with the exterior panels, which are the original sheet metal, having benefited from a later, more-exact repainting.

Of course, having the factory Hemi intact is critical to value on these cars, and this one shows the correct numbers on driveline mechanicals and proper date-codes on most of the smaller details. Indeed, the engine bay itself has never been repainted, and most serviceable components were simply cleaned up and reinstalled. This car uses the A32 Super Performance Axle package with a Torqueflite transmission and 4.10:1 Sure Grip differential, and has the 26-inch radiator design, power steering and power front disc brakes.

Sold new at Vern Holmes, Inc. in Long Beach, California, with its accessories verifiable via the original fender tag and a factory broadcast sheet, this car is also very plush inside. The original black-vinyl bucket seats are there, along with a center console with extra-cost clock, podded factory gauges, including the tachometer, variable speed wipers and green door panels. Wood-grain treatment to the steering wheel, floor shift knob and applique details on the dash and console complete the picture of brute elegance.

Finally, this Daytona has been subjected to a thorough forensic examination by a noted Mopar authentication service. Provenance included in those findings are an original factory broadcast sheet and the fender tag. A former magazine-feature car, this Charger Daytona presents itself authoritatively and will certainly showcase muscle-car era outrageousness to whoever is honored to own it.

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Information found on the website is presented as advance information for the auction lot. Photos, materials for videos, descriptions and other information are provided by the consignor/seller and is deemed reliable, but Mecum Auction does not verify, warrant or guarantee this information. The lot and information presented at auction on the auction block supersedes any previous descriptions or information. Mecum is not responsible for information that may be changed or updated prior to the auction. The decision to purchase should be based solely on the buyers personal inspection of the lot at the auction site prior to the auction.